We’ve all heard about our gut microbiome, but have we heard about our skin microbiome - because judging by all the new beauty releases coming our way, it’s a hot topic.
Although what exactly is the skin microbiome? And why should we care? Let me explain.
You see, your skin is full of tiny life. Trillions of bacteria, fungi, and even viruses makeup your skin's microbiome and they all help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and are essential for the proper functioning of your skin.
In fact you could honestly think of your microbiome as an invisible army protecting your biggest organ from bad bacteria and the outside world.
And now, thanks to recent research we know that when the microbiome is disrupted it can directly influence the skin and an imbalance can be related to dryness, premature ageing, inflammation as well as skin conditions like acne breakouts and even eczema.
Hence why looking after your skin microbiome is soooo important, which most of us are probably already doing, even without outwardly noticing it.
So if your skin is generally feeling quite healthy, strong and radiant then your skin microbiome is probably in a happy place.
Skin Barrier Repair.
However, if you are overstripping the skin with harsh cleansers, overusing chemical exfoliants or experiencing any of the following then there is likely an imbalance:
1. Skin: dryness, itchiness, redness, breakouts, or persistent infections, all could be a sign of imbalance.
2. Slow healing: wounds taking longer than usual to heal might mean a weakened barrier function, often linked to microbiome disruption.
3. Skin sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to products or changes in weather could point to a compromised barrier and imbalanced microbiome.
4. Chronic skin conditions: Flare-ups of eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea can also be linked to microbiome imbalances for some people.
So how can we treat it?
Well, by living a healthy lifestyle, which includes minimising UV exposure and stress; alongside using the right skincare - which yes, means not attacking our skin with a bunch of different actives.
Skincare brands are also now releasing products aimed at ensuring our skin microbiome is looked after with ingredients like probiotics (which we’ve talked about before) and new microbiome tech which work on keeping our skin happy, so let’s chat through some new ones below.
Microbiome Friendly Skincare.
Here are just some of the best new probiotoic skincare priducts to have on your radar...
